When should Parkinson's medication be taken in relation to physical therapy sessions?

Parkinson's medication should generally be taken about one hour before physical therapy sessions. This timing allows the medication to reach optimal effectiveness, maximizing the benefits during therapy. Parkinson's medications, like levodopa, have a peak effect that typically occurs about 60 minutes after ingestion. When patients take their medication an hour prior to therapy, they are more likely to experience improved motor function, better coordination, and reduced rigidity during the session, all of which contribute to a more productive therapy outcome.

Taking medication immediately before therapy might not allow sufficient time for it to take effect, leading to suboptimal performance during the physical therapy exercises. Meanwhile, taking it too far in advance, such as 30 minutes before, may not align with the pharmacokinetic profile needed for peak benefits. Lastly, taking the medication after therapy would not support the patient adequately during the session, potentially reducing the efficacy of the therapy.